The Colorado Rockies signed free-agent 2B Kazuo Matsui (Astros) to an undisclosed minor league deal Tuesday, May 25, according to The Denver Post's Troy E. Renck. Japanese teams were also expressing interest in the second baseman.

Updating a previous report, the Colorado Rockies are negotiating with free-agent 2B Kazuo Matsui (Astros) to bring him back on a minor league deal, according to The Denver Post's Troy E. Renck. A resolution is expected Tuesday, May 25.

Houston Astros 2B Kazuo Matsui cleared waivers Monday, May 24, and has become a free agent, according to the Houston Chronicle's Bernardo Fallas. The Colorado Rockies have shown interest in signing the veteran. The Astros are on the hook for the remainder of Matsui's salary beyond the prorated minimum if he signs with another major league team this year.

Houston Astros manager Bradley Mills would not confirm that IF Jeff Keppinger has taken over the starting job at second base from 2B Kazuo Matsui, according to senior director of social media Alyson Footer. "I don't want to label it that way yet," Mills said. "We're still a dozen games into the season ... Let's wait to see how everything plays out. I'm cognizant to get (Matsui) out there and get him on a roll. It's tough, but it's tough to get the other guy (Keppinger) out of there."